Using your smartphone while driving is – in most circumstances – not recommended. Knowing that distraction is the cause of many serious and fatal crashes, there’s no reason to be browsing Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat while driving. However, some smartphone apps could actually help drivers make better decisions on the road. Injured in a distracted driving crash? Call Wapner Newman at (800) 529-6600 and learn how our car accident lawyers can help.
Apps That Help Drivers Stay Focused
Cell phone use usually increases your risk of being involved in a distracted driving car crash. However, certain phone apps are harnessing the power of technology to make the roads safer rather than more dangerous. Whether you’re team Apple or Android, there’s no shortage of apps available that aim at minimizing distractions while driving. Here’s an overview of some of the most popular and what those apps do.Drivemode
Drivemode lets you choose five contacts that you can call or who can call you. Beyond that, calls are blocked for other contacts while you’re driving. You can set the app to turn on as soon as your car reaches 15 to 25 mph, and it will prevent you from sending or receiving texts or interacting with games or social media. When your car is idle, Drivemode (or Drivemode Dash for iOS users) continues running for five minutes to reduce phone use at stop lights.OnMyWay
OnMyWay offers a financial incentive to help drivers avoid distracted driving. The app automatically activates when it senses your vehicle moving over 10 mph. Users earn five cents for each mile they drive without texting and driving, and the app also offers a variety of sign-up and referral incentives. While using OnMyWay, you can still take calls if your phone is connected to Bluetooth, and music and navigation apps can be used if you start them up before taking off.Safe2Save
Safe2Save is another driving app that offers incentives as a motivator for staying off your phone while behind the wheel. Instead of cash, the app awards points for each mile of undistracted driving. Rewards points can be redeemed at a variety of local businesses for discounts and free items. Safe2Save can sense when a driver is holding or moving their phone. The app helps ensure your hands stay on the wheel by delivering a “Don’t Tech and Drive” alert if it senses phone movement.DriveWell Go
DriveWell Go (formerly TrueMotion Family) is one of the most popular driving safety apps out there. The app delivers a comprehensive view of driving stats for all family members, making it a popular choice for parents of teen drivers. DriveWell GO tracks driver speed, texting, and location, delivering a distracted driving score for each driver. The app uses sensors to monitor driving performance, such as hard braking and acceleration during lane changes. The app also offers user-friendly features like earning badges for good driving and cash rewards.Routely V1
The goal of Routely V1 is to help you become a safer driver. The app monitors your driving, tracking your driving safety. It makes you aware of high-risk areas that might increase your chances of being in a car accident. For example, multiple sudden braking events indicate that you might want to work on keeping a greater distance between you and the vehicle ahead. Routely V1 targets your driving weak spots and trains you to build better driving habits in those areas. It also senses phone use and provides you with a distracted driving score.Our Distracted Driving Lawyers Are Here to Help
You’ll find plenty of apps that are intended to reduce phone-related distractions on the roads, but those apps can’t do anything to control other distractions, like chatting with passengers, grooming, eating, or daydreaming.Technology may be able to improve safety, but drivers must also make a conscious effort to avoid driving while distracted.If you have any questions about this topic or believe that a distracted driver is responsible for your injuries in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, the attorneys at Wapner Newman can help. Contact Wapner Newman today at (800) 529-6600 to speak with an experienced distracted driving lawyer.